Computer Telephony Institute Offers "High Stakes" Certification for Engineers; Lack of Certified Training in Rapidly Growing Industry Addressed by Independent Organization.

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 1998--The Computer Telephony Institute begins student registration today of a pre-release version of its much anticipated, online technical education program.

Computer Telephony Engineer (CTE) certification will be offered to students seeking a strong foundation in computer telephony, the convergence of data networks and telecommunications.

The vendor-independent CTE certification consists of three required core courses (networking, telephony, and computer telephony) plus two electives from a general technology and solutions series including IVR (interactive voice response), IP telephony, call centers, unified messaging, and desktop computer telephony integration.

Electives can also be chosen from a special product series where individual manufacturers have added their own product training to the CTI curriculum. The program offers any time, any where education through a unique on-line learning system.

"Computer telephony applications have actually been in use for at least the past 20 years, but only by large companies who could afford the high price tag of main frame-based, custom software." said David Clarke, president, Computer Telephony Institute. "Call centers, IVR, unified messaging, PC-based PBXs, and more recently IP telephony, all fall into the category of computer telephony.

"Although the technology has been receiving more attention than ever, the lack of a certified training program has made the task of securing qualified people an incredible challenge. It's hard to send overworked IT/networking staff off to a classroom for weeks of training, especially when the knowledge is obsolete in a year or less."

Clarke added that the certification program offered by Computer Telephony Institute is the only computer telephony-related program that requires third party proctored exams and is known as "high stakes" certification, comparable to the recognized certification offered by Novell and Microsoft, the Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) and the Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer (MCSE) respectively.

Synergy Learning System

"The scope of required knowledge is increasing as these two technologies converge. The computer and telephony industries have different jargon, cultures, product life cycles, and sales processes. And there are only a handful of skilled professionals with experience in both technologies. That's why we use a different teaching method -- The Synergy Learning System," Clarke said.

From the virtual CTI campus, the Synergy Learning System addresses the issue of how people learn. By combining a number of sensory tools such as study guides, videos and computer based training (CBTs), with online lectures and actual training labs as well as assessment testing, the CTE program ensures higher retention of information. Unlike CBT Web-based training, the proctored final exam verifies the student's knowledge of the material and tracks learning performance.

Introductory Price/Scholarships Available

Students can register for the CTE program now (www.ctinstitute.com) at a special pre-release price of $1,995, receive all of the materials and take the final proctored exam for their CTE certification in a paced environment.

After December 1, 1998 the self-paced course price will be increased to $2,995. Scholarships are being offered to secondary schools, vocational schools, and other special training environments.

About CT Institute

Computer Telephony Institute is the developer of the Computer Telephony Engineer Certification program. Working with CT manufacturers, value added resellers (VARs) and system integrators or interconnects, to ensure quality content and teaching methodology, the Institute uses a full team of course developers to maintain course curriculum, integrity and consistency.

Founded in 1997 by David James Clarke IV, educator and author (Mr. CNE Study Guides), and Pamela W. Avila, founder of the CT Pioneers, Computer Telephony Institute is a privately held company and has its headquarters in San Ramon, Calif.

Note to editors: See CTI Backgrounder, available at www.ctinstitute.com for more details. Or contact Complete Communications 925/855-9522.

    CONTACT: CT Institute, Inc., San Ramon
              Pam Avila, 925/543-1903
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              or
              Complete Communications
              Judy Tarabini, 925/855-9522
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